Two new categories will debut at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The Recording Academy Introduces Two New Categories for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards

The Recording Academy has announced the addition of Best Traditional Country Album for the 68th GRAMMY Awards in 2026. This marks the only new category introduced for the upcoming ceremony, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to honoring the roots of country music while adapting to the evolving industry. 

The new category will recognize albums that showcase the genre’s foundational elements—acoustic instrumentation, lyrical storytelling, and classic production techniques—distinguishing them from contemporary, genre-blending country works. This move underscores the Academy’s dedication to celebrating both tradition and innovation in music. 

In addition, the Best Album Cover category will return for the 2026 awards, further expanding the ways the GRAMMYs acknowledge artistic excellence across the industry. 

These updates reinforce the Academy’s mission to represent the full spectrum of musical expression on music’s biggest stage.